Monthly Crime Statistics

Bristol Crime Rate September 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Bristol's September 2024 crime rate of 12.1 per 1,000 residents is 57.1% above the UK average. Bicycle theft fell sharply by 36.1% compared to August, highlighting a notable shift in crime patterns.

5,962
Total Crimes
12.1
Per 1,000 People
7.7
UK Average
-9%
vs Previous Month

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The most striking development in Bristol's September 2024 crime statistics was the sharp decline in bicycle theft, a category that typically rises during the academic term due to student populations. This unexpected drop, from 169 to 108 cases, contrasts with the city's usual pattern of increased thefts in autumn months. The overall crime rate of 12.1 per 1,000 residents placed Bristol 57.1% above the UK average of 7.7 per 1,000, a figure that highlights the city's role as a major urban centre with a complex mix of economic activity, tourism, and higher education. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 35.2% of all reported crimes, with a rate of 4.2 per 1,000 — 60% above the UK average. This category's persistence may be linked to the city's nightlife density and the influx of students during the freshers' period, though the exact causal factors remain speculative. Anti-social behaviour also rose sharply, with a rate of 1.6 per 1,000 — 37% above the UK average. This trend, often associated with alcohol-related incidents in public spaces, may reflect the start of the academic term and increased social activity in areas like the city centre. Public order offences, at 1.3 per 1,000, were 132% above the UK average, suggesting heightened police focus on disorderly conduct during the transition from summer to autumn. The seasonal context of September — with back-to-school activity, university freshers, and shorter evenings — likely contributes to these patterns, though the precise mechanisms remain unclear without further data. Bristol's crime profile, shaped by its status as a major university city and tourist destination, continues to reflect the challenges of managing public safety in a densely populated, economically diverse area.

September 2024 saw a significant 36.1% decrease in bicycle theft, with reported cases dropping from 169 to 108. This decline, while not uncommon in autumn months, contrasts with the city's usual seasonal trends. The rate of violence and sexual offences remained 60% above the UK average at 4.2 per 1,000, reflecting a persistent challenge in a city with a large student population and vibrant nightlife. Anti-social behaviour also surged, with 1.6 per 1,000 residents affected — 37% above the UK average. This category, often linked to alcohol-fuelled incidents in urban centres, may be exacerbated by the start of the academic term and increased social activity in areas like the city centre. Possession of weapons fell by 28.9%, from 45 to 32 cases, a reduction that could indicate improved policing efforts or a shift in criminal activity towards less visible forms. These changes illustrate the combination of seasonal factors, local demographics, and law enforcement strategies in shaping Bristol's crime profile.

Bristol's crime rate in September 2024 stood at 12.1 per 1,000 residents, marking a 9.0% decrease from the previous month's 13.3 per 1,000. This reduction, while modest, reflects a continued trend of fluctuation in local crime dynamics. Over the 30 days of September, the area recorded approximately 199 crimes per day — a figure that underscores the persistent presence of criminal activity in a city with a population of nearly 500,000. When viewed through a population-scaled lens, the monthly exposure rate reveals that one reported crime occurred for roughly every 83 residents during the month. This metric, though not directly comparable to UK-wide figures, provides a local context for understanding the frequency of incidents. The decrease from August suggests a possible alignment with seasonal shifts, such as the winding down of summer tourism and the early stages of the academic term, though these factors remain speculative without further data. The city's urban density and the presence of multiple universities may contribute to the baseline rate, but the month-on-month decline indicates some level of stability in policing or community interventions.

Crime Breakdown - September 2024

Crime TypeCountPer 1,000% of Total
Violence and sexual offences2,0984.235.2%
Anti-social behaviour7811.613.1%
Public order6421.310.8%
Shoplifting5791.29.7%
Vehicle crime4510.97.6%
Other theft4110.86.9%
Criminal damage and arson3610.76.1%
Burglary2110.43.5%
Bicycle theft1080.21.8%
Robbery1060.21.8%
Other crime800.21.3%
Drugs740.21.2%
Possession of weapons320.10.5%
Theft from the person280.10.5%

About Our Crime Statistics

Official government data sources for Bristol

4,683+
UK Locations Monitored
8.2M+
Data Records
100%
Government Sources

Crime Rate Methodology

We determine crime rates by calculating recorded offences per 1,000 residents. This standardised metric enables meaningful comparisons between different-sized regions across the UK.

Information Sources

Official UK government databases provide all crime and demographic information, including Police.uk for offence records and ONS for population data. Statistics are compiled across town, district, and national boundaries.

Mathematical Formula

Rate per 1,000 = (Offences / Population) × 1,000

We exclusively use official UK government information sources:

  • Police.ukRecorded crime data from England and Wales' 43 territorial police forces
  • Office for National StatisticsDemographic data and Crime Survey statistics
  • Home OfficeNational offence records and crime policy information
  • FOI RequestsSupplementary data from direct police force requests
We monitor crime data across 4,683+ locations throughout England and Wales, covering the majority of significant towns, cities, and county areas. Updates occur promptly following new official data releases (approximately monthly), with historical records preserved for trend tracking.

Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0

scOS is not affiliated with or endorsed by these organisations.

Page updated: 3 March 2026

New data is released by Police.uk approximately once a month